Robert Limandri

A crane operator and a contractor didn’t inspect equipment, failed to take proper precautions and ran the rig unsafely before it collapsed while building a New York City apartment tower and injured seven construction workers, officials said Wednesday.

The crane that collapsed across a building in Long Island City, Queens on Wednesday afternoon was attempting to lift more than twice as much weight as was approved, according to a preliminary investigation from the city’s Buildings Department.

While the storm was fast-moving, it did cause damage in the form of downed trees and power lines. In the aftermath of the weather, a number of roads are closed and area airports are still experiencing delays.

The influx of illegal apartments has become such a problem that the DOB has gone undercover, looking for and busting illegal apartments. The city agency has agents who set up sting operations—part of an ongoing enforcement action.